Coalition of State Medical Societies Weighs in On VA’s Scope of Practice Policy

The 10 medical societies that make up the Coalition of State Medical Societies, including the North Carolina Medical Society (NCMS), have sent a letter to the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs Robert McDonald expressing “deep concern” with the VA’s recent announcement of a proposal that would allow advanced practice nurses to practice independently in the VA health system.

“There is absolutely no question about the value of team-based care, not only to our veterans but also to all of our patients,” the letter states. “No member of the team, however, brings the same skill level and depth of training as the physician. Team-based health care must be physician-led; that is the hallmark of quality care.

“By eliminating this key requirement, the proposed rule places the health of those who have served our nation at risk,” the letter continues. “The proposal also supersedes state law, centralizing health care decision-making, eliminating local control of licensing and regulation of physicians and health care providers.”